High-Precision Timing System
In swimming, accurate timing and measurement play a crucial role in determining the winners. Seiko has a great deal of experience in this area, because we have supported many swimming competitions with accurate, reliable timing and measurement systems.
This page introduces Seiko equipment that is used in swimming competitions.
Timing Systems for Swimming
- Swimming
Printing Timer
The printing timer, which integrates all the functions of a competitive swimming system, is the main system used for swim meet timing.
All signals sent from the starting pistol, starting blocks, and touch plates are collected by this device to measure time.
It measures not only the finish time, but also the reaction time from the start signal and the takeover time in relay races.
- Swimming
Starting Pistol
The signal from the starting pistol triggers the printing timer to start timing and simultaneously generates the start sound from speakers on both sides of the pool and from each starting block.
- Swimming
Starting Blocks
The starting blocks features a non-slip surface and a footplate that can be adjusted in five increments forward or backward to ensure a secure start for the swimmers. The starting block is equipped with sensors that detect the moment the swimmer’s feet leave the block and send a signal to the main timing system, the “printing timer.”
- Swimming
Touch Plate
The touch plates installed on the start and turn sides do not react to water pressure or splashes, but are designed to accurately detect the swimmer's touch, and then send signals to the main timing system, the printing timer.
- Swimming
Underwater Lap Display System
In long-distance events, such as the 800m or 1500m, the underwater lap display system accurately tells both swimmers and judges the number of remaining laps.
It works in conjunction with the printing timer, and automatically subtracts laps based on signals from the touch plates.
The underwater display devices at the bottom of each lane on the turn side use highly visible LEDs, making it easy to confirm the number of remaining laps even underwater.
- Swimming
Underwater Video Camera System
The underwater video camera system is used to judge relay takeovers and as a backup for timekeeping. The images captured by the underwater and poolside cameras allow for accurate judgment of wall touches at the finish and relay takeover violations.
Sports Timing
Seiko Captures the Moment
The following numbers inspire dreams and excitement.
At the world-famous international sports competition held in Tokyo in 1964, Seiko achieved the previously impossible task of measuring in units as small as 0.01 seconds.
Thanks to its constantly advancing technology, Seiko continues to capture the most exciting moments in modern sports.
